Kapitza Geometric – Digital Textiles

Kapitza Geometric + 100 Geometic Pattern Fonts

Months ago I stumbled across Kapitza’s Geometic pattern book while researching textile design and feel deeply in love with the colorful visuals. How great is it that designers began developing pattern fonts much the same way pictorial or symbol fonts exist today. The book was developed by sisters Nicole & Petra Kapitza who together run the independent design firm Kapitza. According to abduzeedo.com, “Both sisters share a passion for everyday life, minimalism, patterns & colour. Their studio is based in East London, a vibrant and dynamic area which forms part of the inspiration for their work. Other inspirations include nature, people and software. The sisters have been developing an extensive series of unique picture fonts and illustrations that lie somewhere between image resource and art project.”

So you may ask, what are pattern fonts? “Pattern fonts can be installed on your computer just like any other font. But instead of letters they contain a graphic shape on the keys. The power of pattern fonts lies in the way they allow patterns to be created in any software application (from word processing to graphics); and standard font features – like size, leading and letter spacing – make tweaking and tuning pattern designs limitless and easy.” – abduzeedo.com

Sadly, it appears the book is out of stock, but check out the website to see if more are available here. You can also purchase just the pattern fonts (here) or vector art (here). So get into Kapitza’s Geometric pattern book with the video and happy patterning!

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DVF Pattern Inspiration

Last week I began following Diane von Furstenburg (@DVF) on Instagram and they’ve been posting some really interesting photos. I love fashion brands that use Instragram, Tumblr, Facebook etc. to give fans a unique behind the scenes look at the brand. DVF does this quite well, and even shares a “Print of the Week” from their pattern/textile library. As a textile/pattern design lover I get so excited when they post them.

How great are these patterns? The first one is hands down my favorite! If I was a girl I’d dress ALL in graphic patterns.

I love seeing how they mix patterns and textiles at DVF. It’s a tricky business and they do it so well!

Couldn’t have a DVF post without posting one of Diane herself!

So get into the graphic print greatness that is DVF and be sure to check out their Spring 2013 show at NY Fashion Week. Also be sure sure to follow Diane von Furstenburg on Twitter and Instagram (@DVF) for a behind the scenes look at the brand. And remember, love is life! -Diane

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Pattern Play in Paper Magazine

Hey pattern lovers out there, get into this fashion spread, It’s All about a Print Mash-Up, in the current issue of Paper Magazine. Mixing bold patterns is such a tricky exercise but I’m loving all these pictures. I really enjoy what the models are wearing and that hanging textiles behind them. Kudos to Martha Violante and Paper Magazine for conceptualizing this cool story.

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Airport Posters

The last few months I’ve been working with patterns and environmental graphics for one of my projects at work and I wanted to share this project by Lian Ng & Jean Orlebeke. I stumbled across it years ago while looking through Dwell magazine and I’m so happy I found a site that has all the prints. For $125 one can be yours! According to Publique Living,

This series of artwork inspired is by the distinctive architectural element from buildings around the world. Whether it be a pattern or shape that distinguishes these buildings, it is the first layer of visual iconic recognition. The cities in which these buildings reside in are called out by their airport code instead of their names, creating another layer of graphic distinction, akin to the visual alignment between architectural elements and buildings. The codes also function as a beacon of destination, proclaiming the cities’ association with inspiring architecture. An interpretive project from Lian Ng and Jean Orlebeke, in limited edition of 180, available unframed only.

I love the idea of this project, being inspired by architectural forms and turning that inspiration into graphic patterns and prints. In my project at work I’m trying to find ways to turn basic shapes into compelling repeat patterns for use on walls and glass throughout a building. It’s definitely a challenge but this project is a great example of how simple (or complex) shapes and lines can create compelling graphics. Here are a few of my favorites … now if anyone would like to get me a print for my bday … I’d love you long time.

You can purchase prints here, at Publique Living.

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